We are having more kids, living in bigger houses, but are environmentally more conservative, according to the snapshot of the nation released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in its Year Book Australia, 2008 (cat. no. 1301.0). Year Book Australia is the principal reference work produced by the ABS, providing a comprehensive and detailed statistical overview of various aspects of the economy and social conditions in Australia.

The Year Book Australia, 2008 was launched by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC (Retd) at a function in Canberra. At the launch the Australian Statistician, Brian Pink announced that all 90 volumes of the Year Book,going back to the first edition published in 1908, are now available free of charge on the ABS website.

"The Year Book Australia is a magnificent window into Australia showing where we have come from and where we are going", said Brian Pink. "Now with all historical Year Books freely available in digital format on the ABS website for posterity, the community can easily chart the course of the nation." "The release of the 2008 Year Book is an opportune time to extend our thanks to the people and businesses of Australia for their continued support."

For further information on the Year Book Australia, 2008 contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or email client.services@abs.gov.au.

The Australian Statistician, Brian Pink (standing left), the Governor-General, Michael Jeffery (standing second from right) launching the Year Book Australia, 2008 with Australian Scouts to celebrate the 2008 Year of the Scout.